2006 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 537 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 330 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW 330 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1812 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
